Marble Idols - Agra
Craftsman starts the sculpting process by selecting the stone, based on the order given by the customer. Generally, the set of tools consists of hammer, mallet, seven types of different chisel and stone rasp (rifflers) are used for making marble idols. Craftsmen make clay statues for reference which helps in marking the reference point on the marble stone and its shape and proportion can be changed if required. After the finalization of the clay statue by the master craftsman or the client, the craftsman starts the sculpting process. Before the sculpting process, depending on the size of the stone, a pit is dug, which consists of the loose sand which is available locally near the pond or river banks. For in-house workplaces the sandbag is used which is made up of jeans or khadi fabric, this fabric creates friction between the stone and bag hence marble stone does not slip or slide while the carving process is going on. The sandbag helps in absorbing the vibration created by hammering or chiselling, it prevents the formation of micro-cracks.
The first step involved in the sculpting process is roughing the stone. unwanted stone is removed by a heavy hammer and chisel. Many of the craftsmen have been using power tools such as circular saws with a masonry blade or angle grinder with a diamond stone cutting blade, to save time and also to ease their work. Using power tools, craftsmen cut marble into slices. By using the slice technique, craftsmen avoid the risk of damaging the statue, which might happen, if large chunks are removed without using this technique. These slices are removed with the help of a hammer and flat chisel.
A pointed chisel is used in the second step. Steep lines are made on the marble by using a pointed chisel. This process does not aim to remove a large amount of stone, it is only to make guidelines, which are used to make the basic/rough shape of the statue. Generally, a pointed chisel is held at a 45-degree angle, but the angle can be changed depending on the hardness of the stone.
A claw chisel is used in the third step. It has 4 pointed tips and is used to remove the line which was created by the pointed chisel. By the time all the lines are removed, the rough anatomy of a statue can be seen.
In the fourth step, a toothed chisel is used. It has four teeth-like tips. It is used to remove the marks made by the claw chisel. A toothed chisel helps in smoothing the surface of marble. To remove the rough line created by the toothed chisel, a flat chisel is used. It helps to remove any uneven surface.
Rasps and rifflers are used in the fifth step, these tools are generally used for the smoothening purpose, and they remove all the markings. Generally, these tools are used in one direction (forward direction). Next, with the help of the file tool, one more round of smoothening is done to the surface (this step is optional).
Detailing is the sixth step. After the body proportion of the statue is obtained, it undergoes fine detailing, in this process, details like eyes, lips, nostrils, nose wings, fingernails, jewellery, texture of dress etc, are created. The details are marked on the marble with a pencil or crayons, ink is avoided as it may seep into the marble and create unwanted results. With the help of an air chisel and die grinder details are craved on the sculpture.
The sanding process is done now. Sandpaper is used to smoothen the surface, diamond sandpaper can also be used, but due to the cost factor, silicon carbide sandpaper is used. Sanding helps to remove all the minute marks made by the tools. The process starts with 150 grit sandpaper, which can go up to 1000 grits (Depending on the smoothness to be achieved). Waterproof sandpaper is dipped in water and gently rubbed against the marble surface, and too much pressure can damage the fine detailing. It is a very time-consuming process and has to be done carefully for fine finishing.
Polishing is the final step. The buffing wheel is used to polish the surface of the marble. A marble wax polish is applied on the marble and buffed. The statue is then colored are per the requirement of the client. The Sliver Varkh sheet is fastened to the paint before it dries. Varkh is generally fastened on the ornamentation of the idol
